Alleged Kidnap Kingpin Evans Gets New Counsel As Old One Withdraws Alleging Threat To Life

Alleged Kidnap Kingpin Evans has employed the services of a new counsel, following the withdrawal of Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje, lead defence counsel of Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike.

At the resumed proceedings on Friday at an Ikeja High Court, Mr Noel Brown, announced his appearance as the counsel for Evans and the only female co-defendant, Ogechi Uchechukwu.


Evans and Uchechukwu are standing trial alongside Uche Amadi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba for allegedly kidnapping Mr Donatus Dunu, the Managing Director of Maydon Pharmaceuticals. About 232,000 Euros was allegedly collected as ransom from Dunu’s family by the gang.

Ogungbeje, Evans’ former counsel, had on June 13 announced that he was withdrawing from the case following threats to his life and for personal reasons. During Friday’s proceedings, it was revealed that Ogungbeje had written to the court requesting that the judge should order the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to provide security for him during his appearance in court.

Reacting to the letter, Justice Hakeem Oshodi said: “This is an abuse, the court cannot order the Commissioner of Police to protect him. “I don’t know what he wants to achieve by this letter.” Justice Oshodi adjourned the case until Sept. 11 for continuation of trial.
NAN